time for a tune up..... checklist and needing recomendations
 

my gas mileage has dropped about 3 mpg over the past 3 or 4 months so it's time to give the Ol' Lady a tune up. I've scoured the forums for info on the various items needed and what the majority seems to recommend. Please let me know if I've left anything off the list, and what you recommend for any particular part if you feel like adding your .02

Tune up list----------------------------
Spark plugs- Autolite 605
Plug Wires- AC Delco
O2 sensors- AC Delco
PCV valve
Air filter- K/N
Oil filter- AC Delco PF47(c) or Mobil 1
Oil- Havoline Dino el-cheapo?
180 degree thermostat(or 160?)
Fuel filter
Belt- Goodyear Gatorback

NO BOSCH!!! NO FRAM!!!!

What? Nothing for the trans? Might as well do a flush if your gonna be underneath pulling the engine oil.

after reading Bandit's thread about his tranny going south after a fluid change, I dont think I'm going to mess with it. :? I did consider it though.

Thanks for the recommendation regardless.

Badnits transmission has been going south for a while. That's why he serviced it. His car rusts, doesn't mean yours will. Apples and oranges here.

Facts are facts and there's additives your transmission needs, if you haven't serviced it.. you are depriving it.

Skip the rear O2 sensor until it pushes a code. All it does is monitor the levels, does nothing for performance or how the engine runs.

BTW.. call your local grease monkey..I'm sure a couple beers will convince him to help out.

I'll consider the tranny filter change...... I had heard of similar issues with various makes and models of vehicle in the past doing the same after a change, so even prior to reading that thread I was aware of both POV's on the subject.

Ok...... no need to get the rear O2. Stupid question..... where in the heck is the top-end O2 sensor located? :oops: :? I tried looking it up in the FSM and didnt see anything on it.

I hate to worry the grease monkey, so I'm going to wing it on my own. But if he's reading this and has nothing planned, he's can stop by and put back a few if he desires. Nothing at this point sounds too dificult unless the rear plugs are a bit tougher than I think they'll be.

Is the fuel filter easy to replace?

At this point, I'm actually more worried about the belt than anything. I may skip it. :shock:

Change the trans filter if you don't know how old it is.

Front O2 is in the downpipe, just between the firewall and the rear cylinder head. Looks like a 7th spark plug. Look down over your strut bar and down at the rear exhaust manifold and you'll see it. Make sure when you're done that none of your plug wires touch the O2 harness.

Fuel filter is very easy to replace with minimal tools.

thanks for the info on the O2 and fuel filter Will......

My guess on the tranny filter- it's probably the original. If it was changed the day prior to my purchasing the car, then it's 65k old. You guys are talking me into changing it. :evil:

I'm at 130,000 and I don't know if my tranny filter was ever changed, so I bet it's original. I know I should do it soon, though I am worried about the after effects. I experience some shifting problems every once in a while :?

But it's good maintenance, and the kit and fluid is cheap.

I'd also try some Fuel System Cleaner as well. When I bought mine, one of the first things I did was put in a bottle of STP complete FS cleaner. My gas mileage increased at least 3-4mpg. Then I changed everything else.